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Bach, Johann Sebastian : Englische Suiten Nr.1 Courante I

Work Overview

Music ID : 22549
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:courante
Total Playing Time:2 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Ooi, Kazurou

Last Updated: April 1, 2024
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This courante, with its 2/3 time signature, is a French-style courante. Therefore, the tempo is slow. When playing this courante, one point to note is the execution of ornaments. Instead of strictly adhering to rules like 'short trill markings consist of three notes,' improvising and incorporating more notes will enhance its elegance.

Furthermore, attention should be paid to sustained notes. While this courante can be played without excessive use of the pedal, observing, for instance, the left hand on the first beat of measure 2, or the first beat of measure 3, also in the left hand, reveals that notes are sustained, indicating a desire for a three-note chordal sonority.

Such passages are frequently written in this courante. These sustained notes, while certainly contributing to the chordal sonority, are also written to prevent the bass line from breaking, ensuring that each bass note connects smoothly to the next.

To fully appreciate the three-note chordal sonority, it becomes clear that a very fast tempo is not necessary. A tempo of approximately half note = 55 feels just right, don't you agree?

Writer: Ooi, Kazurou